Interim School Business & Operations Manager

Clear Education Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Clear Education Ltd is seeking an experienced Interim School Business Manager to provide immediate operational and business support during a period of restructuring. You will manage non-teaching functions to ensure compliance, financial control and smooth operations in a secondary school environment.

The role requires substantial SBM or senior school operations experience, preferably in a secondary school or academy, with the ability to work autonomously and hit the ground running in a busy

Qualifications

• Experience leading non-teaching operations in a school or academy
• Strong grasp of financial controls, procurement and value for money
• Knowledge of HR processes including contracts, recruitment and staff records
• Experience with compliance, safety, safeguarding and data protection

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day business and operational functions of the school.
• Support Headteacher and SLT with operational planning and problem solving.
• Review processes for immediate operational or compliance risks.
• Monitor budgets, purchasing, procurement and value for money.
• Work with the academy trust's central finance team on budgets and reporting.
• Oversee HR administration, contracts, absence, recruitment and staff records.
• Ensure safer recruitment and pre-employment checks are completed.
• Oversee premises, site management, maintenance, contractors and statutory compliance.
• Ensure health & safety procedures, risk assessments and records are maintained.
• Monitor contracts and suppliers including cleaners, catering and utilities.
• Support estates projects, repairs and planned maintenance.
• Review operational policies and procedures for consistency.
• Oversee or support administrative and business teams and MIS usage.
• Ensure GDPR/data protection procedures are followed.
• Support emergency planning and business continuity.
• Produce reports for Headteacher, SLT and Trust.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Provide handover and recommendations for a future permanent post.

Skills

Financial management

Budget monitoring

HR administration

Compliance & risk

Procurement

Leadership & team coordination

Tools

SIMS

Bromcom

Arbor

Job description

Clear Education Ltd is seeking an experienced Interim School Business Manager to provide immediate operational and business support during a period of restructuring. You will manage non-teaching functions to ensure compliance, financial control and smooth operations in a secondary school environment.

The role requires substantial SBM or senior school operations experience, preferably in a secondary school or academy, with the ability to work autonomously and hit the ground running in a busy